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There must be more than cosmetic gender and ethnic inclusion in Guyanese politics

May 22, 2020 Letters

Dear Editor,

What will it take for us to move forward? The world has resorted to legislating balance in boardrooms to ensure women participate in corporate governance. Similarly, efforts to bring about gender balance in politics were reflected in the Commonwealth’s recommendation of a one-third composition of women.
However, the emphasis on gender over the years has been nothing more than cosmetic. Had it been more, we would have seen a number of the familiar and formidable female politicians (non-dual citizens of course) we have come to know, emerging as Presidential Candidates, having earned their place purely on merit. Suffice it to say, that on both sides of the political divide, are two men waiting to be sworn in, neither of which has represent the best of their respective lists. In light of this, The New Movement (TNM) and The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) should be unreservedly commended.
In practice, the matter of gender equity in Guyana is one of form over substance. If we live in a society where we have managed to effectively delude ourselves that the presence of women, in some fraction, is connected with some guarantee that the diversity of our society is at least closer to being better represented, then we must appreciate that there is another facet, equally aesthetic, that requires similar attention. While efforts at gender balance must not be discredited, especially in societies where there is disproportionate male presence within the ranks of power both in business and government, ethnic balance must not be ignored.
Unfortunately, in our country, our aim to achieve ethnic balance in governance is only manifested before and after elections – after elections, a characteristic vacuous plea is made by the ‘loser’, and before elections, impassioned promises from both sides. What remains common to both major parties is a total lack of will once in power. There is also a critical step which appears to be missing. If both parties are well aware that ethnic balance is a necessary mantra on the campaign trail, then why is there so little effort to have this balance reflected on their respective lists of candidates?
The line of reasoning that women ought to feel assured of their place in the ranks of power by virtue of the placement of humans with similar biological features, as unfortunate as it is, is neither lacking considerable support nor unique to women. It appears that unless we want a sizeable portion of the population to feel like they are represented, this must begin with optics, particularly in the list of candidates. Unless the optics on the campaign trail appeal to all of Guyana, and not just party “followers”, then a significant majority of the people will not break the habit of identifying with appearances, and shift their focus to policies. I would suggest to the next President of Guyana, that we start here: legislating ethnic balance at every level of governance. The road to building trust appears to be a long and arduous one, and must start with some very basic steps.

Yours truly,
Aruna Budhram

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